Models and Diagrams
There are many health information technology (Health IT) implementation tools and resources. Here are some links to diagrams and models that may be helpful during your Health IT transition planning.
These links will take you off the AMA Web site. The AMA is not responsible for the content of other Web sites.
Workflow
Here are some sample workflow diagrams that will help you understand process flows can change with Health IT implementation:
IFQHC’s workflow assessment (PDF)
IFQHC’s process mapping guidelines (PDF)
IFQHC’s operational patient flow redesign worksheet (PDF)
IFQHC’s operational prescription and renewal redesign worksheet (PDF)
IFQHC’s operational schedule redesign worksheet (PDF)
Patient communication models
IFQHC has developed some sample material for patient communication from the Illinois Foundation For Quality Healthcare. Please note that these are meant to be examples and that you will need to customize these to your practice.
IFQHC’s “EHR in Progress” poster (PDF)
IFQHC’s “5 Reasons Your Physician is Implemeting an EHR” (PDF)
IFQHC’s patient letter template (Word)
IFQHC’s EHR implementation flyer (PDF)
IFQHC patient-physician communications in the exam room (PDF)
Exam room setup
As all physicians know, good listening skills, good eye contact and compassionate care are all important elements of good patient care. However, some of these can be easily compromised without careful planning in how the exam room is configured to minimize the disruption of physician-patient communication.
IFQHC also developed tips and a worksheet that shows how physicians might transition their current patient care plans into an EMR system.
Vendor contracting models
Most vendors have a standard contract, often difficult to understand. Here are some sample agreements and contracting tips for negotiating with vendors.
IFQHC has developed some contracting guidelines (PDF) that will help you in your negotiations with vendors. Practices should also consider differences in service and license agreements (PDF) before the contracting process.
Additional resources
AMA’s “15 questions to ask before signing an electronic medical record or electronic health record agreement” (PDF)
IFQHC’s step-by-step guide (PDF) for EHR selection.
See our sections on self-assessment and financing, as well as workplans and checklists for more Health IT implementation tools.
